The key question is why Lebanon, which until recently boycotted Israel, labeled it an enemy and avoided any form of public engagement, is now actively seeking direct talks.

The leadership of Hezbollah and its key ally, the Amal Movement, on Saturday urged supporters to refrain from demonstrations, citing the need to preserve stability and civil peace during a period of

BEIRUT — Hezbollah’s leader urged Lebanon on Monday to step down from scheduled direct talks with Israel set to take place in Washington, the first in decades. Naim Kassem made the remarks in a televised address on the eve of the scheduled meeting between Lebanon and Israel’s ambassadors to the U.S., as both sides set a framework for negotiations.